Upper limb disabilities and associated factors among breast cancer survivors: A quantitative cross-sectional study

Complications following breast cancer treatment result in chronic upper limb disabilities. To plan an informed and effective rehabilitation for timely intervention to prevent, mitigate, or manage the functional impairments for breast cancer survivors, especially in settings with limited resources, the burden of upper limb disabilities needs to be ascertained. This study examined upper limb disabilities and associated factors among breast cancer survivors. This cross-sectional quantitative study recruited 60 breast cancer survivors using purposive sampling method. Text messages and face-to-face interactions were used to inform participants about the study. Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was used to ascertain the upper limb disabilities. To determine lymphedema, tape measurements of upper limb circumference were translated into a limb volume with the geometric formula for a truncated cone. Visual analogue scale, hand dynamometer, and goniometer were used to measure pain, grip strength, and shoulder range of movement, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Linear regression was used to determine the correlation between upper limb disabilities and selected variable. Alpha level was set at